24 Stylish Shirts and Blouses For Spring

It’s the wardrobe go-to; a nice top and pair of jeans.  But what if your wardrobe is lacking in top half options.  Here’s a bunch of stylish shirts and blouses for spring offering a solution.  Some add a bolt of colour to liven your outfit (and mood), others offer a touch of femininity with softer lines.  Sometimes only an oversized boyfriend shirt will do, so there are a couple of options here too.

 

If you want to choose styles and cuts that can flatter your figure here are my top tips.  Pear-shaped ladies can go bold up top with colour and frills, while strawberry shaped aren’t looking for anything as dramatic, for these ladies the attention is better drawn to the bottom half.  If you’re hourglass don’t forget to tuck in  or use a belt to define your waist and apple shapes will look good is figure skimming and longer length options.  When it comes to rectangles, you’re looking to add shape and texture, so interesting designs and patterns are a great choice.

 

Hope you like the ideas.

 

Gail x

 

 

Silk Shirt, £130, Boden

 

 

Relaxed Cotton Shirt, £85, Boden

 

Satin Print Blouse, £35.99, Mango

 

 

Basic Fitted Shirt, £29.99, Mango

 

 

Buttoned Flowy Shirt, £35.99, Mango

Mango Bea Floral Cropped Blouse, £35.99, John Lewis

Per Una Floral Tie Neck Blouson Sleeve Blouse, £35.00, Mark & Spencer

 

 

Geometric Print Shirt, £28.99, Zara

Floral Print Shirt, £28.99, Zara

 

Bow Shirt, £27.99, Zara

 

Flowing Shirt with Rhinestones, £28.99, Zara

 

 

Florence Seersucker Shirt, £65, Hush

Violette Printed Spring Blouse, £69,99, Hush

 

AND/OR Cindy Gingham Ruffle Top, £49.99, John Lewis

Mango Ford Relaxed Shirt, £35.99, John Lewis

 

Kalisa Embroidery Blouse, £138.00 Reiss at John Lewis

 

Jigsaw Ruffle Trim Denim Shirt, £95.00, Jigsaw at John Lewis

 

Noa Ruffle Collar Cotton, £69.99, John Lewis

 

AND/OR Darwin Animal Print Blouse, £49.00, John Lewis

 

Boat Necked Satin Blouse, £17.99, HM

 

Pleated Blouse, £24.99, HM

 

V-Neck Blouse, £12.99, HM

 

Oversized Cotton Shirt, £17.99, HM

 

 

Oversized Poplin Shirt, £29.99, HM

 

Need help finding clothes and accessories to suit you and your lifestyle?  Check out my Wardrobe Reboot, Personal Style Development and Colour Consultation, and 1-2-1 Personal Shopping services.

Nine Things on my Wish List

 

In need of some inspiration as we get through these winter weeks?  Here are nine things on my wish list.  These are pieces I’d love to add to my wardrobe as I plan for spring work and social get-togethers.

 

Let me kick off with a dream purchase and by that I mean it won’t happen any time soon.  A designer bag.  Visiting the Inside Bags exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum recently has  made me love handbags all the more. I saw some beauties there.  I have a few Mulberry bags that I adore and use daily, but now I’ve set up sights on adding a Louis Vuitton or Dior bag to my collection. Anyone fancy buying me one?

 

I have been booked for a few style talks this spring and want to add a few statement pieces to my wardrobe to make me feel confident at the podium.  I’m thinking of adding a colourful dress that will be easy to wear and simple to style.  A blouse that will brighten a black trouser ensemble (and jeans when I’m off duty) and a glamourous pair of heels.  I blame And Just Like That  and the return of Carrie Bradshaw for the last piece.

 

Meanwhile, I’m feeling chilly as I’ve got rid of a cardigan that has seen better days.  It was making me feel dowdy when I wore it and that won’t do!  I need a new backpack, as my last one, which I used constantly during lockdown walks, has finally given up the ghost.  I’d like some new floor-length straight or wide leg jeans as mine are all cropped and I’d like a new pair black rimmed glasses. Again, I’ve been influenced by AJLT.  Lastly, I fancy a beret.  Too much TV you think?

 

So, here we go.  Here are nine things on my wish list.

 

Gail xx

 

Louis Vuitton, second-hand so prices vary, circa. £600 – £800, Vestiaire Collective

Dior, Medium Bobby Bag, £2,800, Dior

Packable 2-Way Backpack (can be carried as a tote), £39, Arket

Floral Swedish Clash Dress, £89, Never Fully Dressed

Leather Slingback Court Shoes, £90, Dune

Satin Shirt, £29.99, Zara

Pure Cashmere V-Neck Button Cardigan, £119, Marks & Spencer Autograph

Blue High Waisted Straight Jeans, £42.00, River Island

Judd Large Acetate Glasses in Black, £125.00, Cubitts

Black Wool Beret, £23.00, Other Stories

 

Three Stylish Outfits In H&M

It’s been a love fest for me and H&M this year.  The offer of understated, staple pieces, interwoven with trendier styles has had me hooked throughout 2021.

Living through the lockdowns made me realise that some versatile staples were missing from my wardrobe.  The basics that could enable me to get dressed efficiently yet stylishly were notably absent.  My list included a fitted white shirt, black tee and sand-coloured linen trousers.

It appeared that the brand’s designers had read my mind as H&M quickly became the destination for really great basics.  This month, whether it’s a ‘big coat’ you need, a pair of boots to get you through the colder days, accessories to elevate your look, or replenishing your woolly jumper drawer, H&M has a good choice.

You will still find lots of trend-led pieces in store and online so it’s easy to find blouses with peter pan collars and quilted jackets and longer coats have carried over from previous years.  However, more classic and basic pieces are dominating the shop floor and that’s great, if like me, you need to stock up.

I’ve taken a deep dive and created three stylish outfits from the latest clothing in store.

Click on the images below, or use the links if images not available.

 

A little Inspiration

Look 1

Bouclé dress https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1022881001.html

Pointed boot https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0949215001.html

Quilted shoulder bag https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0938916005.html

Black straight style coat  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0972352002.html

Alice band https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1021502001.html

Bracelet and rings    https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1020167001.html

 

Look 2

 

Knitted dress  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0939544006.html

Knot detail waisted belt  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0907415002.html

Chelsea platform shoe  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0996544001.html

Relaxed-fit jacket  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0916274001.html

Fringed scarf  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0984718007.html

 

Look 3

 

Knitted jumper  Knitted jumper – Greige – Ladies | H&M GB (hm.com)

Imitation leather trousers  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0953710002.html

Chunky loafers  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0993162001.html

Quilted shopper  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0994480001.html

Earrings and bracelet – https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1016498002.html

 

I hope you like these three stylish outfits.  Need more help in developing your style and creating outfits for every occasion?  Then take a look at my personal services here that will help you.

 

Gail x

9 Stylish New Pieces in Marks & Spencer

Autumn is around the corner and I’ve already spotted ‘9 stylish new pieces in Marks & Spencer’ perfect for the season.

It really came in to focus for me during lockdown that I didn’t have all the necessary essentials for my wardrobe. Yes, I had some of the latest trend pieces, but what I really needed were key versatile pieces.

There are some super useful modern classic pieces to have in your wardrobe nowadays. These can really enable you to get dressed and get on with your day a whole lot easier. That’s why, post lockdown, I’ve focused on upping my seasonal capsule wardrobe game. Ensuring I have key pieces to get me through every quarter.

Marks & Spencer is always ahead of the game and they do try to please a wide audience, which is why they have great basics. They also do more trend-led pieces too, which I also love. These are the nine that have caught my eye recently with some ideas on how to style them.  I’ve added links to the website in the sub-headings.

 

9 Stylish Pieces

Black Wide Leg Trousers

personal stylist bristol - notgivinin.com

 

A wide leg trouser is one of the easiest to wear for nearly all body shapes.  They’re stylish worn with a top tucked in and can elongate the body if worn with a longline cardigan of the same colour.

 

This pair has the advantage of an elasticated waist, so they’ll be comfy.  They can be easily pulled on and worn with a shirt tucked in.  Simply pull out the shirt a little bit to overhang the trousers if you want to hide the waistband.

 

Dress down these wide leg trousers (£25.00) with a big jumper as the weather turns chilly, or dress with a blazer for work or drinks.

 

Faux Leather Oversized Long Sleeve Shirt

personal shopper in Bath - notgivinin.com

Faux leather has come a long way and many women have a few pieces in their wardrobe for the cooler seasons.  What I like about this shirt is that its oversized, so I think it is perfect for transition dressing. Wear over a cami, vest or T. Shirt in the next few weeks and then swop for a turtle neck when it’s colder. Priced at £35.00.

 

Denim Belted Midi Shirt Dress

 

image consultant - notgivinin.com

 

The denim dress (£45.00) is a classic for any season and this midi option is perfect for Autumn.  I love the nod to the classic western style collar and pockets.  Wear with a pair of tan boots and the leopard print cross body below and be super stylish all autumn long.  Don’t forget to try wearing it open with a thin layer top and jeans for a casual look.

 

Leather Cross Body Camera Bag

personal shopper Bristol

 

A cross body camera bag is a great accessory for the weekend, or if you want a smaller bag to hand while carrying a larger tote for work.

 

The cross body camera bag basically carries your essentials in an easy carry/access way.  What I love about this double zip, animal version from M&S is that it can really up your style game.

 

Leopard-print has been lauded as a neutral of late and I have to admit to having a fair few items in my wardrobe.  It basically goes with everything.  Wear with one colour ensembles or over a trench and jeans at the weekend. Priced at £49.50.

 

Animal Print V Neck Knee Length Shift Dress

shopping in Bristol

 

Dress and skirt lengths don’t have to be midi and maxi.  This knee length dress looks great for wearing now and into autumn.  A printed dress can be quite a statement piece in the wardrobe so choose your print wisely to get lot of wear out of it.  Like I said earlier, animal print is a neutral and comes back time and again, so this print makes for a versatile piece.  Wear with knee length boots when colder and over leggings for warmth when at home. Priced at £25.00

 

Corduroy Straight Leg Trousers

 

shopping in bath

Fancy something different from black jeans?  Why not try black corduroy.  They can offer warmth and has more chic appeal.  This pair in M&S comes in a quite a lot of colours and at just £22.50 they likely be very popular.  They offer a good wardrobe basic for autumn and winter and as they’re straight leg will look good with trainers or heels.

 

Faux Leather Croc Midi A-Line Skirt

image consultant bath

 

More faux leather, but it has a place in a capsule wardrobe.  This one would look great with a white or animal print shirt and I’d love to wear it with a denim shirt on a Saturday.  It has a place in the wardrobe, because its cute and chic dressed down with chunky boots and a big jumper, just as much as if worn with knee high boots, a red turtle neck and classic camel coat.  Definitely give a faux leather skirt a consideration, as it also won’t break the bank.  This one is just £35.00.

 

Floral V Neck Midi Tiered Wrap Dress

 

bath stylist

 

This dress is made with a lovely weight material, so it’s not too heavy to wear now or underneath a ‘big coat’ come winter.  I think the detailing is super feminine and the wrap style top helps define the waist, while the v-neckline elongates the neck.  Cute dress that you’ll wear all the time.  Priced at £39.50.

 

Pure Cotton Embroidered Long Sleeve Top

bristol stylist

 

Great for work and even better with jeans and tan accessories for the weekend.  That’s if you like neutrals, of course.  A great soft white top looks good with lots of colours and especially matched with soft autumnal shades for cosy days.  This top, priced £19.50, would look great with the corduroy trousers above and, I imagine, with a long tiered maxi skirt and boots this winter.

 

Hope you enjoyed the read and like the ideas.  If you would like a more personal approach to shopping with me then do take a look at my 1-2-1 personal shopping service where I identify pieces to suit your body shape, lifestyle and budget.  Check out the service here.

 

Gail x

Work With Your Body Shape

 

 

Wearing clothes that work with your body shape rather than against it is key to looking and feeling great.  This week’s focus is the hourglass.

 

If you watched my Instagram stories yesterday you will have seen that my Style Surgery helped viewers  identify if they were an hourglass and gave some tips on what to look out for when shopping.  You can still watch it in my highlights here.

 

Meanwhile, I’ve done an online shop for an hourglass ‘client’ and want to share with you a few key pieces.  Of course, we’re all individual, we have different body shapes.  You could be a narrow hourglass, a petite, or a tall hourglass.  For a bespoke fitting work with me, but do take a look at the full shop on my Pinterest board for ideas.

 

My Top Three Tips below…

 

The Trench.

Okay, so first off, it’s raining.  We’re in the middle of a storm, but hey it’s the UK, there’s always a shower heading our way.  So what better way to stay showerproof and stylish than with a trench coat.

What I love about the hourglass body shape is that you can really tune is to the classic trench cut – fitted, neat, and belted.  You can see from my example below, that this style ensures you don’t lose your waist.

Avoid cape style, oversized trench trends.  They’ll drown you.

A double breasted Trench Coat currently in Marks & Spencer.

 

 

The All Occasion Dress.

There is definitely a trend for dresses with a built-in cinched waist this season that I would make the most of if an hourglass is adding to her wardrobe this season.

Some retailers call it a knot, but you’ll notice a gathering around the waistline and it’s just brilliant for anyone who has a narrow waist, or for someone who wants to create more of a defined waist.

Zara has some great options, but I’ve focused on this design from Hush.  I’ve seen this dress in real life and what I love about it for an hourglass figure is that it also has a small print so it won’t overpower the silhouette.  Hourglass figures are one of the few body shapes that can wear one colour or print from top to toe, because they have balanced proportions.

Hush, Saskia Twist Shirt Dress.

The Cute Knit.

A wrap style is the easiest top for an hourglass to wear, as long as it’s covering the bust.  On the latter point, size up, or use hidden fastenings to ensure you don’t have gaping necklines.

This season, knits are a key look and to narrow it down further, a cardigan is THE piece to wear.  The retailer, & Other Stories has introduced a range of soft, fluffy cardigans that are perfect for the hourglass figure.  See below, Turquoise wrap cardigan.

 

 

Really fluid and effortlessly pretty, this aqua coloured top will softly support those fabulous curves, and, as you can see, works really well with denim.  I’d also love to see it with culottes, worn with knee-high boots underneath.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these key pieces.  Got the bug to shop some more?  Head to my Pinterest board for other ideas.  Want more help?  Please see my in-person and online services here.  I offer a free half hour consultation, so make the most of it and let’s have a chat about your wardrobe frustrations and how I can help.  Drop me a line info@notgivinin.com and let me help look and feel great.

Have a great weekend.

 

 

Gail xx